GMA member Rafael Lovato Jr. of Lovato’s School of BJJ in Oklahoma City, OK will be in Oregon on the first of March to teach a seminar. The event will take place at his student James Puopolo’s school, Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

Currently teaching seminars in Australia, the black belt world champion will make his way over to the west coast prior to the Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

The costs are as follows:
$80 if registered by Feb. 1
$90 if registered by Feb. 28
$100 at the door

The academy is located at 4122 River Rd N, Keizer, Oregon 97303.

To reserve your spot, click here.

Learn more about Lovato’s School of BJJ at www.okbjj.com

By 2012 at purple belt, he had moved to Atos under Andre Galvao and won the Pans, placing third in the World Championship after we planned for a great run in our pre-worlds predictions.

But it was 2013 that he secured his place at the top winning both Pans and Worlds as a purple belt and earning double gold at the Pans as a lightweight.

At brown belt this past year, not much changed. Pans and Worlds were his to take along with third in the Worlds absolute and he also won his division at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

On Nov. 4 Liera Jr. was promoted to the prestigious black belt at the age of 21 by Andre Galvao. Check out the celebration and nice words by his professor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVYVnWO27_s

Dilon celebrates his win at the 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Photo: Erin Herle

After the double gold at the 2014 IBJJF New York Open, a brown belt taught by star Marcelo Garcia gained prominence in the Jiu-Jitsu scene. Dillon Danis, 20, won the middleweight and absolute, closing with teammates. The promising young athlete won five fights.

Dillon also dominated the middleweight category at the the Pans and Worlds this year.

In conversation with GRACIEMAG, the Alliance athlete told how he plays against heavier opponents, and passed on the lessons he learns from his teacher Marcelo.

GRACIEMAG: What did you do differently in this competition, Dillon?

DILLON DANIS: Nothing different. I always do the same thing. I want to dominant, that’s my style. I like to score as many points as possible while always attacking. I want my opponent to never want to fight me again.

In the middleweight category, you closed out the competition with your teammate Jonathan Satava. But, for that to happen, first you had to take on Tye Ryan Murphy of Team Lloyd Irvin. Talk me through how you subbed him.

I know from watching Tye before that he is very physical and aggressive so going in I knew I had to be smart and use my mind and go around his force using it against him, which I did eventually finishing with a toehold.

You were also successful in the open. What was the secret to beating that division?

For me I love fighting the absolute because it gives me the chance to try my Jiu-Jitsu against all sizes especially bigger opponents. A big thing for me is when I was growing up I was very weak and was always on the defense because I was training with men. When I was a kid my defense became really good so now when I fight bigger opponents I don’t have to change my style. I do the same thing: go for the kill because I have no fear. I attack without caution because I am comfortable in bad positions.

In the absolute semi final you overcame Gustavo. Can you talk about that one in some detail?

He was very flexible with very strong grips and the thing about strong grips is that they can’t last forever so I kept the pressure and never stopped moving forward until he got tired and I could work my game.

You are a student of one of the greatest talents ever produced by BJJ, Marcelo Garcia. What was your most unforgettable training session with him?

I don’t remember an exact session but every time I train with Marcelo it’s unforgettable. He is a special talent. I am so blessed to get to roll with him. I don’t know if there will ever be anyone like him again. People ask me all the time what it’s like to roll with him and I say I can’t explain; you have to feel it for yourself.

And what sorts of BJJ lessons does he currently pass onto you?

Marcelo is the best role model in Jiu-Jitsu and in life he has taught me so much on how to be humble and many other things. I can’t thank him enough but the best lesson he has taught me in Jiu- Jitsu is to always attack, never move backward.

At WPJJC this year you didn’t close it out with your teammate Satava. Do you have a policy against that? What is your opinion?

At our gym we have a policy as a team that you either fight or flip a coin to decide the winner so when the time comes we talk and choose what we’re gonna do between each other. In my opinion the big events should be fought because the fans deserve a fight but it’s easier said than done because my training partners are like family. We do everything together.

Greg explains how to get the flying omoplata, a move her secured at the 2000 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship, when your opponent attempts a takedown. Read on and watch the video below:

The beginning of the video shows me throwing the jumping omoplata countering a single leg attempt at the 2000 Pans (purple belt at the time). Be prepared when you do this technique you will be landing a bit hard….gravity is a great thing, but also brings you to earth pretty fast. When throwing it with adrenaline you can see my head is the first to land (fortunately I have been blessed with a thicker skull to protect a smaller brain). Initially my opponent stalls the omoplata by immediately grabbing my pants preventing me from getting both legs to the outside to allow full leverage. Eventually I got my leg free, but lost some pressure giving my opponent an opportunity to roll, but giving up 2 points in the process and giving me top position.

My goal was simple: Go for the submission and always fight for top position when given the chance. I look at BJJ, submission grappling, wrestling, judo, catch wrestling…all the grappling and striking arts in terms of a real fight. Now that being said you can work within the rules and goals of each sport. All of the combat sports have specific rules and methods to score points to win a time limit match. Each sport is unique and fun in its own way, and each brings specific elements that will cross over to a real ‘no holds barred’ self-defense fight. It is important to know what techniques are specific to the sport and which techniques are street/pavement/tar ready. If you think by doing 100% sport BJJ you are preparing for the intensity of a fight on the tar, where strikes, slams, scrapes, multiple opponents, potential weapons….complete combat chaos is the norm…you may be sadly mistaken and subsequently pummeled into the pavement. Have fun and play, but make sure you know and train those aspects of the arts you choose, that are 100% MMA functional and those that are street effective.

****Note the jumping omoplata is a sport move, on tar my head would have smashed and would have probably knocked myself out in the process.****

Learn more about The Academy at www.theacademymn.com

Guilherme Mendes promotes Mikey Musumeci to brown belt after winning gold in the purple belt light-featherweight division. Photo: Erin Herle

Mikey Musumeci of Jaco Hybrid Training Center in Florida conquered the world title at the 2014 World Championships on the first day of the event. Having won the 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship this past March, Mikey was able to continue his success for this big day for team Atos in the purple belt light-featherweight category.

Overall, he had six matches, three of which ended in submission: one omoplata, one armbar and one choke from the back. His toughest match was the final against Hiago Gama of Alliance because it was a match defined by “more heart than anything”.

Mikey works his passing against Hiago Gama. Photo: Erin Herle

On the podium, Guilherme Mendes promoted the seventeen-year-old to brown belt. The teen is also sister to Tammi Musumeci, a young black belt who recently won the 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship as well. “My sister is my idol and I’m following her footsteps since she was also promoted to brown belt at seventeen,” Mikey says.

When he’s not in school as a newly graduated junior going into his senior year, Mikey trains Jiu-Jitsu twice a day and completes his strength and conditioning two times a week. He also drills a lot with his sister. Soon he’ll take the ACT test and hopes to follow Tammi’s lead and enter a law program for university.

At four years old, Mikey began Jiu-Jitsu and by 2012 he won his first blue belt juvenile world title. He completed the feat the following year and was promoted to purple belt at sixteen in 2013.

What makes the journey to purple belt world champion unique for Mikey is that he only competed at adult for one year– this year, the same year he fought his first year at purple belt. Now the accomplishments have been fulfilled and he enters the world of toeholds and kneebars.

Mikey goes for the back off of the berimbolo. Photo: Erin Herle

But while he was well-rounded in his submissions, the boy loves his berimbolos. His flexible game is, in appearance, similar to the Miyao brothers who have claimed their fame due to the berimbolo game as well. He poses the threats similar to the Miyaos and has been dubbed the “American Miyao” for the time being.

Following this championship will be much training ahead as the summer break lends him the time and “if the IBJJF doesn’t stop me, Il’l compete at the No-Gi Worlds later this year”. The rule for purple belt rank is that you must stay at that rank for one and a half years, and so far the time has only lasted a year.

The purple belts only showcased the rooster and light-featherweights as the rest of the male purple belt divisions will continue tomorrow, May 30.

Check out full photos of the day go here and here and full results of the first day at the 2014 World Championship here.

Danielle at the 2013 American Nationals. Photo: Erin Herle

Purple belt Danielle Alvarez of GMA Alvarez BJJ in Arlington, Texas has set her eyes on the gold at the 2014 World Championships like thousands of others. When you read what her accomplishments have been so far this year alone, you’ll agree that it is in reach. Her dad, Daniel Alvarez, is a black belt who leads a team of competitors all around the world to compete and explore the true limits of a Jiu-Jitsu journey.

I spoke with Danielle about her goals for the worlds and what makes a good role model in Jiu-Jitsu. Check it out:

GRACIEMAG: How has your competition season been this year thus far?

DANIELLE ALVAREZ: This year has been great, I’ve been actively competing and learning a lot this season since January. I won the Europeans, San Francisco Open, Houston Open, Boston Open, FIVE grappling, a women’s superfight and also placed at Pan Ams and Brazilian Nationals.

How often do you get to train and what other priorities do/did you have besides Jiu-Jitsu?

Right now I am out of school for the summer so I am able to train 2-3 times a day, every day of the week. During the semester I would train once every day because I had college classes in the mornings. I also teach a women’s class once a week and help instruct the kids classes 3 times a week at my dad’s gym.

Explain your most proud competition moment this year.

My most proud competition moment this year was winning a superfight in a women’s only tournament in Denton, Texas. I had a very tough ten-minute match against Fabiana Borges and came out with the victory.

Danielle wins the 2014 European Jiu-Jitsu Championship to start the year off right. Photo: Personal archive

What would winning the worlds mean to you?

Winning the Worlds would mean everything to me. None of my other accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu could compare to a Worlds gold medal. All of the competitions I’ve done so far this season have been preparation for the Worlds and I’ve been looking forward to this all year. A Worlds gold medal is the most important thing to me right now.

What qualities and behaviors do you think make a good role model for Jiu-Jitsu?

I think it is important for role models in Jiu-Jitsu to be respectful and helpful for all belt levels, especially white belts since that’s where everyone’s journey begins. I also think good role models in Jiu-Jitsu should always lead by example and bring positive energy to the people around them.

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You can watch the 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship buy purchasing the livestream at www.ibjjftv.com

Tammi earns her first black belt world title with a kimura submission at the 2013 No-Gi World Championship. Photo: Erin Herle

At nineteen years old, black belt Tammi Musumeci has made us all look incompetent. Not that she means to, but she definitely stands out as one of the most tenacious people I have ever met. We all know the studious ones in school who take the toughest classes, join all the right clubs and read books instead of gossip magazines. She is one of them. But more than just the academic achievements is the rare title of Jiu-Jitsu black belt world champion she can proudly write on her resume.

She continues to push the pace in her Jiu-Jitsu training and competition because she loves Jiu-Jitsu. She continues to push the pace in her academics because she wants to secure a future for herself that she’s imagined. It doesn’t involve a Jiu-Jitsu academy or the Olympics but rather a life of numbers and six-figures, perhaps, too.

I spoke with Tammi about her time on the mats and whether or not it ever became a job for her like it has for some. I wanted to know whether she pictured herself the world champion before the straight-A student. But I guess it didn’t matter because she found herself as both.

GRACIEMAG: I want to hear about your training with Jiu-Jitsu and if it has always coincided with school and any other priorities.

TAMMI MUSUMECI: I started training Jiu-Jitsu when I was six years old in the first grade.  Jiu-Jitsu has been a large part of my life, throughout my whole school career, and continues to be today. Balancing Jiu-Jitsu and school proves to be a challenge. In high school I had even more priorities besides studying and training. To get into a good college, I not only needed good grades, but an involvement in the community and school activities.

So throughout high school, I was involved in the various clubs and societies, which were extremely time consuming. Because community service hours were so important, I volunteered at various places such as libraries and hospitals. I completed a total of 475 community service hours.

In addition, throughout high school I took intensive SAT classes and spent my weekends, that were already spent working on various honors and AP class work, taking at least four hour long SATS. Good grades never came easy to me; I had to work very hard to achieve the grades I got.

With much of my day occupied with stressful obligations, I still made sure to find the time to train and workout hard, and to go on and win world titles at blue, purple, and brown belt, along with three pan titles, two at purple, one at brown all in the adult division.

[While in college she has earned a black belt world title from the 2013 No-Gi World Championship and a black belt pan title from the 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship.]

Tammi wins the 2014 Pan black belt title. Photo: Erin Herle

How much is Jiu-Jitsu a priority?

Because of my busy schedule, prioritization is extremely important if I want to achieve all of my goals. Because school and school-related activities consequently have a huge impact on my future occupation those of course would be my number one priority.

Whatever time that was left would be spent between Jiu-Jitsu training, conditioning, eating and sleeping.

But I have also found an interesting relationship between jiu-jitsu and school: Jiu-jitsu helped me unwind from the ever present pressures of school. Even during my most stressful times, I always made sure to workout really hard, eat healthy, and get in some training sessions.

What are your studies like?

I guess I was, am, and will continue to be a big nerd. Throughout my life in school, I would spend literally hours studying when the other kids partied or went out. Socializing was not a priority for me.  As frustrating and grueling as studying was at times, I always hoped that it would pay off one day. This was and is the motivator that keeps me going.

My hard work landed me full scholarships to some of the best schools such as University of Miami, New York University, The College of New Jersey, Rutgers University, and Drexel University.

I chose to go the Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida because I received a full scholarship to their six year Accelerated Law Program BS/JD – 3 years undergraduate in accounting, 3 years law school.

All that studying and sacrifice paid off. Those tedious hours of studying sometimes till the wee hours of the morning were well worth it. Today, I continue to study really hard to get good grades and hope one day get a good job that will allow me to secure my future.

Incidentally, I never told anyone in school about Jiu-Jitsu. So when I went to school with the occasional facial scratch, bruise, or black eye, I would get the most interesting looks from my teachers and classmates.

I’d really love for you to spell out what your busiest day of the week from last semester.

In the final against Mackenzie Dern at the 2014 Pan. Photo: Erin Herle

My busiest day of the week last semester had to be Wednesday because I had to attend classes in the morning, be at a drilling session with my brother, Mikey, and Manny Soares at Jaco Hybrid Training Center at 1:30 p.m. After that, my brother and I would go straight to strength and conditioning with our trainer Cody Schovitz at Speed Evolution in Boca Raton, FL. From there at 5:30 p.m., I would rush back to Jaco Hybrid training center to teach my women’s class. Then on most nights my brother and I would attend an intense competition training session with Emyr “Shark” Bussade at ATT Wellington. The rest of the night would be spent studying, which sometimes would consist of an, “all nighter.”

What is your philosophy on competition?

I don’t believe that competition is necessary for all, but it is a great way to test yourself against other fighters besides the ones you train with. I love to compete, but most of all I love training for competing. It allows me to push myself to the limit and beyond that. I believe that real growth can only come from being uncomfortable. So I am very familiar with being uncomfortable.

How much do you love it versus how much is it about the end result?

The end result is very important to me as a fighter because it validates all the training and conditioning. I personally enjoy competing. I have been doing it for many years and it has become intricate part of my life.

How hard are you on yourself?

I am extremely hard on myself to the point where it is a flaw. This flaw is not only limited to Jiu-Jitsu, but also school. Somewhere along the line I came to believe that if you work real hard you will get the desired result you are looking for. But if you don’t get the desired result, you didn’t work hard enough. At this level however, I am working on changing my thinking because I am competing against the best athletes in Jiu-Jitsu and understand that I will lose not because I am not good but because they are just as technical and prepared as I am. I have a great deal of respect for my opponents and feel honored to even be competing against them.

What do the titles mean to you?

The titles I have won mean a lot to me. They tell me that my Jiu-Jitsu training, diet and conditioning were right on point. Again, I am extremely humbled by the thought of even competing at this level with such amazing fighters. So winning means that much more to me.

Will you ever open an academy?

I am not planning on opening an academy. I teach the women’s class at Jaco because I like to help the women achieve their goals and gain confidence, but I will not make a career of this.

What are your career goals?

My career goal is to become an accountant and lawyer and pursue a job in some aspect of business law or forensics accounting.

What parts do you not enjoy about Jiu-Jitsu if any?

The part of Jiu-Jitsu that I do not enjoy is the drama sometimes associated with it. There are times when beginners think they know all there is to know about Jiu-Jitsu when in reality, Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong learning experience. I do not like when people are disrespectful to the instructor or to each other. A huge part of Jiu-Jitsu has to do with respect. Without respect, there is anarchy–not a Jiu-Jitsu class I would like to be at. I do not like when people refuse to tap. This is one aspect that I will never understand. Refusing to tap could result in serious injury that could side-line an athlete for months, or even years. Whether it be ego, or pride, this is a serious problem.

Finally, the last thing I do not enjoy about Jiu-Jitsu is when people react negatively when they lose. I believe that losing is an essential component in the making of an athlete.  No one is infallible.  I know I’m not.

It’s not how we win, it’s how we lose.

Sarah completes a throw at the 2013 Pan. Photo: Erin Herle

A stand-out competitor and instructor at Gustavo Dantas’ GDJJ Academy, Sarah Black sets an example for many. She didn’t start training when she was a kid, nor even a teenager. And despite that, she has risen to the top of the podium on many occasions and now leads the women’s program at GMA GDJJ in Tempe, AZ.

Her professor, Gustavo Dantas, decided to take the ropes and interview this star student for GRACIEMAG:

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In 2006 at the age of 26, Sarah Black took her first judo class and she would end her Judo career in 2010 with the rank of nidan (second degree black belt) from Jason Morris. In 2009 she started shifting her focus to Jiu-Jitsu and joined team Nova Uniao. She was awarded her blue belt from Robson Moura (André Pederneiras) in 2009 and in 2012 she was awarded her purple belt from Gustavo Dantas (André Pederneiras).

Last year in 2013 it was a stand-out year for her. At the age of 34, she won both the adult and masters IBJJF World Championship in the lightweight purple belt division. Other recent results also include 2014 Pan champion and 2013 Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials open weight champion earning her the ticket.

Of her 38 medals competing under Gustavo Dantas, 33 have been gold and 5 of these have been from IBJJF World Championships.

Here’s how she continues to perform at this exceptional high level that is inspiring to people around her:

You started at focusing on Jiu-Jitsu at a relatively late age of 29. Did this impact the way you approached your training?

Yes, it had a huge impact on my approach to the sport. In a positive way it made me more focused. I set myself a long-term goal of becoming a black belt world champion very early on. Everything I do in training and my personal life is based on that goal and how I am going to achieve it. I know I have a few years left to perform at my peak and I do everything I can to be as effective as possible.

Can you give the readers more detail into your mindset when it comes to preparing yourself for competition?

I try to focus on things I have control of. The level of competition is continually increasing as our sport grows, but I have no control over these sorts of external factors. My focus is on my performance and not my results. There is so much I can do to align stars for my self. For example, means holding myself to a predetermined weekly training schedule, focused drilling, clean eating, quality sleep, smart supplemental conditioning and early weight cuts. For my night before, and day of, competitions I have preparation and warm-up routines that help ease anxiety for competition. I also incorporate visualization at all levels from something as small as a grip to standing on top the podium. Will I be on top of the podium? Who knows, but I focus on the things that will help get me there.

Do you have any tips for competitors aspiring to compete at the highest level?

I look at my training as having many different facets and I am a firm believer that you have to address and have a plan for improving all of these. On the physical side it is a lot more than training every day of the week; you have to look at your diet, how you look after your body and surround you with the right training partners and coach etc. Look at the complete picture and improve on all levels. As many of us know, training Jiu-Jitsu is tough on your body. I feel that if I am going to put myself through that, I need to put just as much effort in to the other areas. Gustavo Dantas and my teammates at Nova Uniao provide me the best environment to grow in.

You mention the mental aspect of your preparation; can you give us some tips on how you mentally prepare yourself?

I would not be able to improve my level of Jiu-Jitsu to the levels I need by not having a coach, so for me the same applies to my mental preparation. I have a mental coach that helps me get ready to perform. Under his guidance I have been able to greatly improve my competition results. Gustavo’s program, “Inner discovery for outer success” is in my opinion, a program that everyone should go through. It would be great if we are all performing to our very best, with no mental blocks. Then we could truly see who has the best Jiu-Jitsu.

In order to maintain balance between your professional, personal and training lifestyles, do you have any other support systems?

Yes the key for me is to manage that balance. I have many support systems around me that I am extremely grateful for. They definitely play a huge part in my performance. I look at sponsors from a slightly different viewpoint. I align myself with people that can help me on this great Jiu-Jitsu journey. I use Q5 labs for all my nutritional and supplement needs. Jiu-Jitsu tracker is something that is becoming a big part of my training where I can keep track of my own training as well as my opponents. I need my body fixed continuously and OSS Arizona has been invaluable in that respect, they have a Jiu-Jitsu background so they understand my NEED to be on the mat.  As I mentioned before, my mental coach, Gustavo Dantas (www.thebjjmentalcoach.com) has been a huge catalyst for me to achieve my desired results.

Check out more of Gustavo Dantas and his team at www.gdjj.com

Watch how she was able to win the open class against Andresa Correa here:

Members and visitors alike can enjoy a special class at GMA Gracie Barra New England on Saturday, April 19 taught by Milton Bastos. The black belt of Caio Terra Association has experience teaching Jiu-Jitsu for many years up and down the California coast as well as in Brazil. He is also a certified IBJJF referee and international competitor having placed second at the 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship last month.

Milton’s relaxed approach to Jiu-Jitsu makes him a fun instructor. But his classes are full of serious knowledge so don’t be fooled.

The class will take place at Gracie Barra New England located at 31 Granite Street Milford, MA 01757.

It will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m and cost $30 per person.

You can reserve your spot and learn more information at www.carlosterrinha.com

Tim working the pass in his semi-final match in the brown belt adult open weight division. Photo: Erin Herle

One of the stand-outs set to make a statement even before the 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship was Tim Spriggs of Crazy 88/Team Lloyd Irvin. The 23-year-old Baltimore, MD resident proved his abilities by winning the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo Brown Belt Grand Prix last November.

Tim Spriggs (right) and Erberth Santon (left) after closing out the brown belt adult open weight division. Photo: Erin Herle

Tim competed in the brown belt adult heavyweight division as well as the brown belt open weight division and won all of his matches — three were submissions, one was a stoppage due to injury. In the final of the open weight, he closed out with a fellow TLI member, Erberth Santos from Brazil who had been training with him for the past month at Crazy 88. The weekend left him with a winning streak that proved his capabilities since his promotion to brown belt last June.

Above all of his studies on the mat, Tim also proved his capabilities in academia having earned a college degree back in 2012 at St John’s University in New York City. Even though he was states away from the Crazy 88 team, he still made it work, training full time in the summers and remaining loyal to his team. At 16 Tim started training with them and has never strayed.

Representing his TLI team after winning the brown belt adult heavyweight division. Photo: Erin Herle

We asked Tim questions about his time at the Pans on the weekend of Mar 12-16 and what it takes to be successful. His often short declarative sentences tell of a person who is direct, focused and doesn’t play around. But don’t be fooled by his ferocious tendencies on the mat because he is every bit a gentleman.

Tim Spriggs wins big at the Pan. Photo: Erin Herle

GRACIEMAG: What was your toughest match at the Pan?

Tim Spriggs: My toughest match at the Pan was the first one in my weight division. Mostly because I hadnt competed since the Copa Podio. Match speed and intensity is very different from the training room and usually I compete much more frequently, so that I am used to that difference. Also, I was not able to finish the guy, that’s another reason.

What is one characteristic a person must have to be successful?

A burning desire to win. And not just at the competition. You have to be willing to put everything you have into each training session, your diet, and even your rest. The person with the most drive to do everything necessary to win will be the most successful.

A lot of your matches start with judo and end with you on your opponent’s back. Do you drill specific transitions or series of techniques?

I drill the techniques that give me the most success. So a lot of judo, guard passing, and submissions from the back. However, I am always expanding my arsenal, so I study all aspects of the art; takedowns, guard, and guard passing.

What are your long-term goals in Jiu-Jitsu?

Black belt world champion in my weight and the absolute. ADCC champion in weight and absolute.

You went to St John’s University and finished in 2012. What is your degree and does it/will it help you in achieving your goals?

I got my degree in sociology. Although it doesn’t really help me with fighting it does give me a better understanding of why people act the way the way they do, so it helps with interacting with people at the academy.

What is a typical training routine for you?

Depending on what day it is, I have early morning strength and conditioning, then morning training session. I teach in the afternoon, then another session in the evening. My training usually lasts around three hours or more during the grand slam season. [From the Europeans in January to the Worlds in early June]

Working the pass in the brown belt adult heavyweight division. Photo: Erin Herle

We’ll see Tim next at the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Championship on April 15-19 and the World Championship in Long Beach on May 28-June 1.

Beatriz Mesquita earns gold in the open weight division. Photo: Erin Herle

The open weight division for the female adult black belts was held on Saturday, March 15 prior to their weight categories. Featherweights, lightweights, middleweights, medium-heavyweights and heavyweights all joined in for exciting performances.

The results are as follows:

New black belt Megan Nevill advances in the open weight. Photo: Erin Herle

In the first match, middleweight and new black belt Megan Nevill of Atlanta, GA earned a win against fellow new black belt lightweight Charlene Coats of Coalition 95 by 1-1 in advantages and 1 penalty for Charlene.

Rachel Demara secures a kneebar. Photo: Erin Herle

Next up medium-heavyweight Rachel Demara of Big Brothers secured a kneebar on heavyweight Tammy Griego of Gracie Barra New Mexico which was her first black belt match in the gi.

Mackenzie Dern earns the winning sweep. Photo: Erin Herle

Featherweight Mackenzie Dern of Gracie Humatia/Megaton went up against middle-heavyweight Talita Treta Nogueira of Gracie Elite Team and managed to sweep and stay on top for the win.

Andresa Correa outscores with advantages. Photo: Erin Herle

 Heavyweight Andresa Correa of Alliance managed a win by 9-4 in advantages of lightweight Fabiana Borges of Gracie Barra who stayed tough throughout the entire match.

Beatriz Mesquita gets the armbar. Photo: Erin Herle

Lightweight Beatriz Mesquita of Gracie Humaita had a bye and faced Megan Nevill. She made a swift transition to the back form closed guard and finally finished with an armbar.

Bia with the choke. Photo: Erin Herle

In her semi-final match, Bia submitted Rachel Demara with a choke from the back.

Andresa earns a pass. Photo: Erin Herle

On the other side of the bracket, the semi-final between Andresa and Mackenzie was decided by a guard pass in which Andresa earned her place in the final on Sunday, March 16.

Bia’s triangle attempt. Photo: Erin Herle

The final for the open weight division between Bia and Andresa began with a pull to guard from Bia. Multiple wrist lock attempts and sweeps were made by Bia which gained her advantages. As Bia went for a triangle, she also attempted to get on top. She then went for an armbar and Andresa defended well, coming on top. She nearly made Bia turtle but Bia recovered her guard. The match ended with 6-1 in advantages in Bia’s favor making her the double gold champion of the 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Check out the full photo album here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/graciemag/sets/72157642507977404/

Full results can be found here: http://static.ibjjfdb.com/Campeonato/000241/en-US/Results.pdf